Community Game given greater representation on RFL Council

The Rugby League Council has agreed a number of changes to improve governance structures within the sport and increase the community game’s representation at the highest level of governance.

The changes follow The Watkins Review of Rugby League Governance, a detailed study of governance structures, which made a number of recommendations when it was published in July 2012.

At the RL Council meeting held in Salford on Wednesday (November 28), proposals were agreed to increase the Community Board’s representation on the RFL Council from six to seven, a change that will see one representative each for Tier 3 adult leagues and Tier 4 adult leagues join the Council.

At the meeting, the new changes were passed with 85 per cent in favour. The community game will now have seven members on Council, comprising Armed Forces (1), BARLA (1), English Schools (1), Tier 3 adult leagues (1), Tier 4 adult leagues (1), youth and junior leagues (1), and Student RL (1).

In line with these changes the Community Board – which is the governance level below the RL Council – will see membership increase by one, with the new Tier 3 adult league and Tier 4 adult league representation. The Community Board will have 11 members in total and comprise Armed Forces (1), BARLA (1), English Schools (1), Student RL (1), youth and junior leagues (1), Tier 3 adult leagues (1), tier 4 adult leagues (1) together with the RFL CEO, RFL Chairman and two independent members.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: “These governance changes, including new representation for Tier 3 and Tier 4, will give the community game an increased voice at the highest level of our sport. I believe this reflects the expansion of the community game. “

The meeting also heard from Rugby League World Cup 2013 General Manager, Sally Bolton, who gave a presentation and update on plans for next year’s tournament being staged in England and Wales. Tickets for matches are now on sale and the deadline for volunteers to register their interest in being involved is approaching - full details can be found at www.rlwc2013.com

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